Summer has well and truly reared its head in Melbourne, just in time to welcome the start of the Australian Open. The mercury has soared into the low 30’s on Monday, over 10 degrees warmer than last week’s chilly day-times, making for sizzling on-court conditions.

This heat is being caused by dry and gusty northerly winds which are reaching up to 60km/h at times. These winds are drawing heat from the interior to the southeast of the country ahead of a trough.

Tuesday was expected to be the hottest day this week, with a forecast of 35 degrees and gusty winds. A wind change, cloud and showers will arrive late morning or early afternoon on Wednesday, potentially effecting play.

Thursday to Saturday should see mostly dry weather with daytime maximums reaching the mid 20’s. Showers and storms are a possibility in this period, however they are unlikely to produce an extended delay to proceedings.

By Sunday we can expect a brief return to warmer and drier days with another burst of heat reaching Victoria. This is likely to linger until early next week ahead of another change.

To keep up to date with the Melbourne forecast visit weatherzone.com.au.

– Weatherzone